Re-using surfaces
Re-using surfaces
(OP)
Hello there!
I'm new to SW but have considerable working experience with Catia V5. I find working with SW pretty similair and got of to a quick start. There's just one problem...
I'm not quite familiar with the surface bodies folder in the tree. Surfaces in this folder can be used for further operations. Sometimes after such an operation this surface disappears from the folder and it can no longer be displayed nor used?
I have a sweep in my model I would like to use for several trimming operations. However, after trimming the sweep I can no longer use the sweep for another trim? It's still in the tree but I cannot show, hide of use it for other manipulations...The only way to achieve what I want is to recreate the sweep using the same sketches. In V5 I could just re-use a surface over and over for several operations.
Am I doing something wrong or is this the way to go???
Thanx for your interest!
I'm new to SW but have considerable working experience with Catia V5. I find working with SW pretty similair and got of to a quick start. There's just one problem...
I'm not quite familiar with the surface bodies folder in the tree. Surfaces in this folder can be used for further operations. Sometimes after such an operation this surface disappears from the folder and it can no longer be displayed nor used?
I have a sweep in my model I would like to use for several trimming operations. However, after trimming the sweep I can no longer use the sweep for another trim? It's still in the tree but I cannot show, hide of use it for other manipulations...The only way to achieve what I want is to recreate the sweep using the same sketches. In V5 I could just re-use a surface over and over for several operations.
Am I doing something wrong or is this the way to go???
Thanx for your interest!






RE: Re-using surfaces
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
RE: Re-using surfaces
One technique that is commonly used to preserve bodies is to rollback before it is consumed and copy it (using Move/copy bodies, zero distance offset or knit).
RE: Re-using surfaces
Making copies of master surfaces has a near-zero impact on regeneration. Same for cleaning up surface "scraps" using "Delete Bodies".
This is what I do for models that have key surface definitions. I actually cultivated this when working in Pro/E. Works well in almost any CAD program. Also, this method works well when building from imported geometry.
http://www.EsoxRepublic.com-SolidWorks API VB programming help
RE: Re-using surfaces
Is there a way you do not allow the master surfaces to be used for downstream operations or is this your own self-discipline?
In other words, can someone who is unfamiliar with your modeling methods open up one of your models and use a master surface for trimming and such?
I'm not questioning your method - it makes a lot of sense - I'm just wondering if there is a way to make it impossible to use these surface bodies for anything other than copies?
RE: Re-using surfaces
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091
RE: Re-using surfaces
Thanx guys! It's not a graphical problem since all the surfaces in the surface bodies folder can be displayed. Now I understand that my master surfaces are actually being consumed. I will try the copy trick mentioned above...
Does SW update the copied surfaces when the master surface is changed? Do they have a link to the master surface or do they behave just as instances?
Thanx!
RE: Re-using surfaces
Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all. And awe trumps reason.
RE: Re-using surfaces
If multiple master surfaces are used, they can be placed into a suitably named folder which a user has to open gain access. Another step toward making the masters "less attractive" to use.
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091